Bluefin Season Best In Years

by Ralph Pratt, American Bluefin Tuna Association

Ralph Pratt Photo

This season, the arrival of the Giant Bluefin Tuna in New England broadcast itself over a large geographical area. Rod and reel Commercial Bluefin Tuna fishermen along the coast of Maine to Mass. enjoyed catches that totaledalmost 900 fish by August 31st. Many of these fishermen landed multiple Bluefin in one day. Recently though, fishing has turned into a bonanza forrod and reel fishermen on Georges Bank, early reports of catches during September may exceed what was landed the entire 2010 season so far.

The harpoon category, plagued by limited good weather days and warmer than usual water temperature has landed only half of what was caught by this time last year. By August 31 only 151 fish were landed, less than 50% of the harpoon allocation.

Overall this season, even with the several near miss hurricanes is headed to be best season for Bluefin tuna fishermen in 5 years.